Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, M.P.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources
Profession: ---
Speeches 137 #31 of 225·#15 in party
Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)
Top topic Parliamentary Procedure 60 speeches
Last spoke 21 May 2026 in Adjournment
Activity by sitting
53 sittings · counts only, no scoring.
Topic focus
AI summary AI-assigned tags, 1–3 per speech. Counts only — not a score.
Speech history
137 speeches- 25 September 2025 AI summary Accepted parts of the question while rejecting one sub-part, stating that shrimp re-exports are allowed only under strict SOP-based controls and that 1,187 metric tons were re-exported in 2024. He said NAQDA is promoting domestic shrimp farming through disease-control measures, expansion of SPF P. monodon hatchery capacity, encouragement of larger “Sri Lankan Jumbo Shrimp” for niche export markets, and planned removal of sand and silt bars in key lagoon and canal systems. He added that lands in the North and East are being identified for environmentally friendly shrimp farms to increase export volumes and support processing centres. Oral Answers to Questions Public FinanceAgriculture Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that the incident involving missing fishermen occurred under the previous Government and that Navy searches, including aerial searches, had failed to locate them at the time, leading to the belief that they may have drowned. He said it was only later discovered that they had washed ashore, and that his Ministry is taking steps to provide justice and relief to affected fishermen while pledging measures to protect fishermen in future. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation Justice & Human RightsForeign Affairs Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar responded to a question on assistance for four affected fishermen, stating that compensation for damaged boats and equipment could be examined if the details were clearly provided. He noted that fishermen enrolled in relevant insurance schemes may be eligible for benefits of Rs. 1 million, Rs. 1.5 million, or Rs. 2 million, and asked for accurate written details to consider any further relief through the Ministry. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation EmploymentPublic Finance Read →
- 23 September 2025 AI summary Four fishermen who went missing after leaving Point Pedro in July 2024 were rescued by Indian fishermen, detained by Indian authorities, and repatriated to Sri Lanka on 25 February 2025 through the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at a cost of Rs. 344,424. The Minister stated that no compensation was paid because they returned safely, noting that government compensation applies to deaths from natural disasters while fishing, with separate insurance and foreign-vessel collision compensation mechanisms available in relevant cases. Oral Question Q.3/2025: Fishermen Compensation EmploymentForeign AffairsPublic Finance Read →
- 11 September 2025 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources requested a two-week extension to provide an answer to Hon. Archchuna’s question. Questions under Standing Order 27(2) and Ministerial Statements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 11 September 2025 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented the Ministerial Consultative Committee report relating to the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation’s 2018 Annual Report. The report was ordered to lie upon the Table. Opening and Speaker's Certificate Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 22 August 2025 AI summary The Minister welcomed the Adjournment Motion on human rights and said the decline of the Tamil population in the North, displacement, disappearances, emigration and land loss have weakened Tamil political and social presence, particularly in Jaffna. He argued that protecting Tamil existence requires both justice measures and accelerated development, citing planned industrial zones in Kankesanthurai, Paranthan and Mankulam, expansion of Palaly airport, KKS rail and harbour services, Mayiliddi harbour, and the Kurikattuwan bridge. He said the Government has not forgotten commitments to release lands, address disappearances, resolve the Thayiddi Viharaya issue amicably within one or two months, and improve local services including a passport office in Jaffna from the following month. Adjournment Motion: Human Rights Issues Faced by the Tamil Community in the North, East and Hill Country Justice & Human RightsInfrastructureEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 20 August 2025 AI summary The Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources presented the 2020 Annual Report of the State-owned Ceenor Company. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability of Resources, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Tabled: Annual Reports and Performance Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government inherited a debt-defaulting and dysfunctional economy, with impaired banking, import, construction and capital project activity, and argued that it has since restored a measure of stability. He rejected Opposition criticism, linking it to accountability efforts over past corruption and mismanagement. He highlighted the continuing poverty and underdevelopment in the North after the war and the long-term marginalization of the plantation community, stating that the Government would prioritize economic stabilization, targeted subsidies, relief, livelihood improvements and development programmes for these communities. Adjournment Debate: Current Economic Status of the Country Cost of LivingCorruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that Sri Lankan fishing vessels entering foreign waters have led to detentions in countries including Mauritius, Maldives, and particularly India’s Tamil Nadu. He said all relevant vessels have Vessel Monitoring System devices, but some crews switch them off, and the Government is increasing attention to this issue. He added that compensation would be provided where VMS data shows no illegal conduct, and that assistance may also be given for repairs to affected vessels. Oral Question: E.L. Irfan and K.S. Nishfar - Compensation for Boat Accident (Q.4/2025) Law & OrderForeign Affairs Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary The Minister stated that compensation for affected or deceased fishermen has been increased from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 1,000,000. He explained that Sri Lankan boats detained in Tamil Nadu, including Nagapattinam, are held by Indian authorities as case properties pending legal proceedings, and that the Government is pursuing their release through the Indian Consulate and dialogue. He added that compensation will be provided where released boats are found to be damaged. Oral Question: E.L. Irfan and K.S. Nishfar - Compensation for Boat Accident (Q.4/2025) EmploymentForeign Affairs Read →
- 7 August 2025 AI summary The Minister responded to a question about fishing craft OFRP-A-1487 KMN, which went missing on 12 July 2024 after leaving Addalachchenai Kappaladi pier with two fishermen aboard. He stated that the Indian Coast Guard found the craft at Nagapattinam Port, rescued E. L. Irfan, and that K. R. M. Nishfar remains missing; Irfan was returned to Sri Lanka on 20 December 2024. He said no compensation has yet been paid, as Nishfar’s wife has not submitted the completed application required for heirs’ compensation, and compensation for the craft will be considered once the vessel, currently anchored at Nagapattinam, is brought back. Oral Question: E.L. Irfan and K.S. Nishfar - Compensation for Boat Accident (Q.4/2025) Security & DefenceLaw & Order Read →
- 11 July 2025 AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the Government is examining illegal and harmful fishing practices, particularly purse seine net use, night diving and fishing with powerful lights, following concerns raised about fishermen in Trincomalee and other coastal districts. He stated that although purse seine fishing is already banned, enforcement problems remain, and a new Cabinet paper has been submitted with legislation being drafted for future presentation to Parliament. He said NARA and NAQDA have been asked to study related issues, including possible amendments on mesh size, while the Government is considering future action against illegal night diving and wider measures to protect marine resources and fishermen’s livelihoods. Adjournment - Fishing Practices in Trincomalee and Parliamentary Decentralized Funds AgricultureEnvironmentLaw & Order Read →
- 9 July 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar linked the Easter Sunday attacks to a broader history of communal violence in Sri Lanka, thanking Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith for helping prevent further unrest after the attacks. He recalled personal losses from the Zion Church and Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church bombings and said he had sought to protect Muslims in Jaffna amid fear and tension. He argued that decades of racism, pogroms, insurrections, and mass graves had harmed the country, and called for transforming Sri Lanka into a better country for future generations. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Ethnic Reconciliation & DevolutionSecurity & DefenceJustice & Human Rights Read →
- 9 July 2025 AI summary Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar moved that Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara take the Chair during the sitting. The House agreed to the motion, after which the Deputy Chairperson of Committees left the Chair and Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara assumed it. Adjournment Debate: Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks (21 April 2019) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 9 July 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar said recent accidents affecting Southern fishermen highlighted shortcomings in existing fisher insurance, pension, and accident protection schemes. He stated that the Government has appointed a dedicated committee to conduct a scientific review of these schemes and will take measures for affected fishers based on its recommendations. Oral Question: Fish Catch, Import and Export (Q.637/2025) Public FinanceEmployment Read →
- 9 July 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar objected to Opposition members mocking his use of Tamil, stating that it was his mother tongue and did not affect the time taken to respond. Addressing a question on fisheries, he said institutions under the Fisheries Ministry were in poor condition, lacked insurance coverage, and that the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation was incurring a Rs. 1,600 million loss. He said the Ministry was working on solutions, including specific measures to develop marine and inland prawn and fish production in Puttalam, and invited members to raise particular interventions with him. Oral Question: Fish Catch, Import and Export (Q.637/2025) AgriculturePublic Finance Read →
- 9 July 2025 AI summary Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that he was tabling the remainder of a reply. No further substantive policy position, proposal, or question was presented in the excerpt. Oral Question: Fish Catch, Import and Export (Q.637/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
- 30 June 2025 AI summary The Minister supported the Fiscal Strategy Statement for 2026–2030, arguing that the Government has restored economic stability after the 2022 bankruptcy through improved fiscal management and renewed investor confidence. He cited growing interest from Tamil diaspora investors in the North, including proposed projects in poultry, export vegetables, coconut cultivation and industrial zones, as evidence of changing conditions. He also addressed the Chemmany mass grave investigations, stating that the Government has allocated funds for excavations, sought forensic support following the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ visit, and is committed to proper inquiries while continuing land releases and infrastructure work in the Northern Province. Debate: Motion to Adjourn on Fiscal Strategy Statement 2026 Corruption & Governance ReformPublic Finance Read →
- 6 June 2025 AI summary Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar expressed condolences on the death of Hon. Mavai S. Senathirajah and recalled his long role in Tamil politics, including participation in non-violent struggles, imprisonment, and parliamentary advocacy on Tamil issues. He noted Senathirajah’s constructive engagement across political differences, his links with both Tamil political leaders and militant-era figures, and his commitment to grassroots concerns. On behalf of the NPP, he thanked Senathirajah for his public service and conveyed condolences to his family. Debate: Votes of Condolence for Four Former MPs Parliamentary Procedure Read →